Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly urged Trump twice to strike Houthi targets, but US officials say Washington does not currently plan direct military action.
WASHINGTON – Web Desk: US President Donald Trump has rejected a reported request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to launch American strikes against the Houthis in Yemen, according to a report by Axios cited by Reuters.
Mohammed bin Salman reportedly called Trump twice on Thursday and urged the US president to carry out strikes against Houthi targets as the conflict in Yemen continues to escalate.
Trump rejected the request, while US officials told Axios that the administration does not currently intend to take direct military action against the Houthis.
US Seeks to Avoid Direct Military Involvement
According to the report, Washington is increasingly concerned about the rapidly deteriorating situation in Yemen but is seeking to strengthen support for Saudi Arabia without opening another US military front.
The United States is also focusing its military resources on Iran and safeguarding shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Axios.
US officials have reportedly told their Saudi counterparts that Trump’s directive is to keep American forces focused on those priorities rather than directly entering the conflict with the Houthis.
US Commander Travels to Saudi Arabia
The developments come as Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, traveled to Saudi Arabia on Thursday for urgent coordination talks, according to the Axios report.
The visit underlines Washington’s concern over the expanding regional security situation and its efforts to coordinate with Riyadh without committing US forces to direct attacks on Houthi positions.
Reuters said it could not immediately independently verify the Axios report. The White House and Saudi Embassy in Washington also did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours.
Houthi-Saudi Tensions Escalate
The latest development comes amid increasing tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement.
The conflict has also raised concerns over shipping through the Red Sea and the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a major maritime route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
Saudi Arabia has previously sought international support to protect commercial shipping from Houthi attacks.
Reuters reported earlier that Riyadh was seeking to build an international coalition aimed at protecting Red Sea shipping as tensions around Yemen intensified.
Washington’s Delicate Position
The reported decision reflects a difficult balancing act for the Trump administration.
Washington is supporting Saudi Arabia while attempting to prevent the Yemen conflict from developing into another direct US military engagement.
The situation is particularly sensitive as the broader Middle East remains affected by the ongoing US-Iran conflict, disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and growing threats to regional energy and shipping infrastructure.
For now, US officials say there is no plan for direct American military action against the Houthis, although the position could change if regional developments significantly worsen.
